Now Commenting On:

Opponent could determine Cards' NLDS roster

Opponent could determine Cards' NLDS roster

MLB.com's Pete McCarthy, Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis discuss how the Cardinals' late-round success in the Draft has them in the postseason

By Jenifer Langosch
/
MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- Aside from naming Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn as their Games 1 and 2 starters, the Cardinals have opted not to reveal anything else about their projected National League Division Series roster until they knew who they were facing.

They'll meet the Pirates, who beat the Reds, 6-2, in the NL Wild Card Game on Tuesday. Though the Cardinals are not required to set their NLDS playoff roster until Thursday morning, manager Mike Matheny indicated that he'll share the organization's plans during a workout Wednesday afternoon.

The Cardinals are expected to utilize a four-man rotation and will slide the fifth starter into the bullpen. The organization is also leaning toward a breakdown of 12 pitchers (four starters, eight relievers) and 13 position players (eight starters, five reserves).

Whether the Cardinals keep three catchers, go with two or three lefties in the bullpen and how they plan to use Edward Mujica (if at all) will be clarified once that roster is revealed.

By remaining mum on the roster topic now, the Cardinals can make their final decisions based upon their opponent. Matheny said that the opponent could sway how the Cardinals set up their rotation and how the final spot in the bullpen is filled.

"We lean on our staff and just spent a lot of time putting together what we think is the right thing," Matheny said. "It isn't necessarily a fun process, but once we get everything going, everybody is going the same direction."